Sports tough guys (and gals)

[Aperitif]

Indeed, just as jockeys do

Not quite, because then it would include motor racing etc. I meant one's body, alone, without another 'engine' present. But I do realise the athleticism involved, don't worry.
(I was always fearful of those massive horse jumps in Windsor trials or whatever it is called - would have been impossible for humans to jump those, and both parties exhibited a deal of bravery, strength and skill.)

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

for me, anybody involved in boxing, mixed martial arts, no matter how good or bad you are, you are one tough b****** ...

I know 2 Nurses who kick-box, one of them, Becki, was in Florida a few years ago, representing England for her federation/association, & weight/age-group/etc... in a World Championships
She was in line for a medal.................... but.................... got marked down to Silver for being too aggresive!!!

Helen, one of the (CT) Radiographers has also started kick-boxing!!

There's also Lee, one of the Security team, who's a cage-fighter!!!

 

[ComedyPilot]

One of two for me:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Godwin_(cyclist_born_1912)

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Fox

 

[Bollo]

Figure Skaters. You heard right. How hard? Gangster hard! Anyone who's spent some time around figure skaters will know what I mean.

 

[Cubist]

Tough? Doesn't scratch the surface.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Shelford

Shelford made his Test debut for the All Blacks later that year against France in a 19–7 victory in Toulouse, and then was a notable victim of the infamous "Battle of Nantes" in the second Test. Roughly 20 minutes into the match, he was caught at the bottom of a rather aggressive ruck, and an errant French boot found its way into Shelford's groin, somehow ripping his scrotum and leaving one testicle hanging free. He also lost four teeth in the process. Incredibly, after discovering the injury to his scrotum, he calmly asked the physio to stitch up the tear and returned to the field before a blow to his head left him concussed. He was substituted and watched the remainder of the game from the grandstand where he witnessed the All Blacks lose 16–3. To this day Shelford has no memory of the game.[2]

 

[Aperitif]

If you think the horse does all the work Martin, you've clearly never sat on one at 30 mph.

Didn't say that...yachrtmen, tobogganers, motorsport drivers - all on top of their fitness. I am pointing up a difference...as Cubist has also illustrated. Tough person.

 

[Beebo]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-24897204
Just found this on BBC website.
He swam from Lands End to John o Groats, and even had to grow a silly beard to stop jelly fish stings!
Love this bit of the write up
"In past few weeks his jaw has been so cold he has been unable to chew solid foods and has had to have meals pureed."

 

[craigwend]

Not a rugby fan but ....

http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/Hero...scott-leaves/story-20061628-detail/story.html

the toughest fight of all